Bettman: Cap between $48-50 million; 'Major' for interference needs work

The media frenzy about Jim Balsille's intention to purchase the Nashville Predators and move them to Hamilton, ON allowed NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to sidestep questions about the NHL's salary cap, which will probably be revealed at this weekend's NHL Entry Draft:

June 20, Canadian Press: Next season's salary cap will rise from $44 million to "somewhere between 48 (million) and 50ish. In that range," Bettman said. That is subject to agreement with the players' association, which hasn't replaced fired executive director Ted Saskin.

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the NHL's Board of Governors' decision to add a major penalty for interference won't address head-shots specifically until the Competition Committee weighs in:

June 20, TSN: The governors [did] endorse the addition to the rule book of a five-minute major and game misconduct for interference where a late hit causes injury. There was some general discussion on the issue of head shots, but the Board is waiting for the competition committee to draft some language on a rule to specifically address head shots. That is likely to be done before next season begins.

The other most weighty news?

More time was probably spent talking about whether teams should wear white or dark sweaters at home. After much debate, and many proposals and votes that did not provide a majority, it was decided to maintain the status quo and home teams would continue to wear dark jerseys next season.